As part of West Hartford’s America 250 commemoration, a panel discussion will be held via zoom on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Submitted

Join the Town of West Hartford for a compelling panel discussion exploring the historical forces that transformed our community from a quiet farming outpost and industrial hub into the vibrant suburb we know today.

History is often told as a story of progress, but every transition carries a price tag. As West Hartford evolved, shifts in zoning laws, industrialization, and immigration created new opportunities for some while erecting invisible barriers for others.

This evening brings together distinct perspectives to peel back the layers of our local past:

• Mary Donohue, Town Historian
• Jack Dougherty, Professor and Author of On the Line
• Dan Sterner, Author and Historian

Moderator, Ray Hardman, will guide a conversation that will move beyond nostalgia to ask the hard questions: What did we gain as a community during these eras of rapid growth? What was the generational cost to those on the other side of the line? And most importantly, how does this history inform the transitions West Hartford faces today?

The discussion will take place on Thursday, April 30, via Zoom, from 7-8:30 p.m.

Registration is required. You will receive an email with instructions for participating over Zoom. Click here to register.

If you are unable to attend, the event will be recorded for viewing in the future.

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